For our democracy to properly and appropriately function, individuals must be able to speak out on issues of public concern – including public policy, spending and other actions – without fear of being buried by the costs of defending against expensive litigation. In recent years, we have seen individuals face lawsuits simply for opposing a local development project before a zoning board or speaking out at a school board meeting.
HB 1077, the Public Expression Protection Act, addresses SLAPPs or strategic lawsuits against public participation. These lawsuits are filed usually by powerful parties not with an eye toward winning the lawsuit but simply as a mechanism to squelch the speech of those who take strong public positions on a matter being considered by government.
Illinois adopted an anti-SLAPP law nearly two decades ago, but it needs to be updated.
The Public Expression Protection Act creates a process for courts to efficiently review and dismiss SLAPPs by:
- Providing an early “off ramp” to dismiss lawsuits that infringe on First Amendment rights
- Requiring an expedited hearing and ruling from the judge
- Protecting conduct not protected under current Illinois anti-SLAPP law
- Saving the defendant time and money
- Conserving court resources
The Public Expression Protection Act builds on model legislation that already has been adopted by 10 other states.
TAKE ACTION - Contact your STATE REP. about this bill.
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Call 1-872-302-2121 to be connected to your state representative in support of HB 1077. |
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Email your state representative in Springfield in support of HB 1077 here. |
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Schedule a visit with your senator or representative to talk about this bill. Find out more information about meeting with your legislator here. |
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Write your state representative or senator a letter or postcard. Find your representative's address here. |
